Digit & Pacifier Habits

Orthopedic change can result from a prolonged use of thumb sucking or pacifiers, however, unless your child uses excessive force or sucks for prolonged periods of time, this is typically not an issue until age 4. Sucking is a normal reflex for infants and, and can be a great source of security to your child. Children usually stop sucking their thumbs naturally as they get more active and begin to require both hands for their activities, like holding toys, climbing on furniture and coloring. It is important to discuss your child’s sucking habit with Dr. Geshay at the earliest opportunity. He will determine early if your child’s habit is causing deformation of the facial arch bones.